Didier Deschamps has said Les Bleus’ World Cup group “could have been worse” after his heavily scary side were picked against Australia, Denmark and Peru.
“Clearly, it could have been worse,” said France’s 1998 World Cup and EURO 2000-winning captain. “We’ll have the time to analyse our opponents in friendly games. It gives us supplementary information which will allow us to make all necessary plans.
“We’ll set up friendlies that correspond with them. Last time, you were all unanimous in saying that it was a great draw, even certain players… it’s not going to happen just by clicking our fingers. We’re going to work on ourselves, on our opponents, and go to this World Cup with a lot of ambition.”
“We’re not massive favourites, but I think this team has great qualities, and a coach that has produced results in recent years,” he told TMC. “It’s up to us to put in all the necessary ingredients. We have to be consistent in the competition, try to win as many matches to gain as much confidence as possible.”
“It’s a special kind of excitement as we know who we’ll play against, if I’m lucky enough to be picked of course,” added Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso, who is likely to feature alongside the likes of Pogba, Paris Saint-Germain’s Adrien Rabiot and Juventus’ Blaise Matuidi in the centre of the pitch for his country next summer.
“I haven’t had time to see the make up of the other groups, but apparently there are some very tricky ones. That doesn’t mean I want to say we got an easy one. All the teams in Russia deserve to be there and they’ll give everything during the competition.
“A lot of people are going to make us favourites in this group. But it’s a status we’ll have to embrace. We’ll have to stay focused, attentive and determined to go through. Still, the aim is to go as far as possible.”
“This is very good for us. It’s important. It’s going to force us to play at our best,” he said. “We need to prepare in the best possible way. It’s a difficult group, but I like it. I think [the opponents’] characteristics can adapt well to ours.
“France are a national team that can make a difference. But it’s a good group for us. I tell the country [Peru] to be calm, to trust us.”
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